flew about

USAGE SUMMARY

"flew about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to describe something or someone moving quickly and erratically in a space. Example: The leaves flew about in the strong wind, creating a whirlwind of autumn colors. In this example, "flew about" paints a vivid image of the leaves being tossed and swirled around by the wind. It expresses the idea of movement and chaos in a concise and effective way.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Accusations flew about.

The New York Times

Birds flew about freely.

The Guardian - Books

The English flew about like midges.

Princeton University

Chinese waiters flew about in response to his urgent commands.

The New Yorker

Rumors flew about foreign interference, with fingers pointed at Islamic extremists in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Yale University

Last year I flew about 200,000 miles just in domestic flights alone.

The New York Times

Once everyone was inside, the helicopter flew about 18 miles before landing in a parking lot.

The New York Times

It crested the rise at about 50mph and flew about 40 feet before landing.

The Guardian - Travel

The two projectiles flew about 490 kilometers, or about 300 miles, they said.

The New York Times

"Hey, I once flew about 20 hours straight for a meeting in Singapore," Mr. Burke said.

The New York Times

Annette Messager's clothes flew about the room, powered by electric fans.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flew about" to vividly describe chaotic or rapid movement, especially when conveying a sense of energy or disorder. For example, "Dust particles flew about the room after the explosion."

Common error

Avoid using "flew about" in contexts where literal flight is the primary meaning, unless you intend to emphasize a chaotic or uncontrolled aspect of the flight. Otherwise, use more direct terms like "flew" or "soared".

Linguistic Context

Flew about primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating a dynamic action of moving erratically or spreading quickly. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing both physical movement and the spread of information or rumors. Ludwig AI also recognizes its appropriate usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flew about" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe rapid, often chaotic movement or the swift spread of information. As noted by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it’s important to consider the context to ensure the phrase aligns with the desired level of formality and precision. Ludwig examples demonstrate its effective use in creating vivid imagery of movement or dissemination. Understanding its nuances helps ensure effective and appropriate use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

zoomed around

Implies very fast movement, often in a playful manner.

whizzed around

Highlights speed and a circular or random trajectory.

buzzed around

Suggests a rapid, energetic movement, often in a confined space.

dashed around

Conveys a sense of hurried and energetic movement.

moved around

Focuses on general movement without necessarily implying flight.

were circulating

Similar to "circulated", emphasizing the distribution of information.

circulated

Emphasizes the spreading or dissemination aspect.

traveled quickly

Focuses on the speed of movement or dissemination.

spread rapidly

Indicates quick and extensive distribution, often of information or rumors.

were rife

Specifically used to describe the widespread existence of rumors or speculation.

FAQs

What does "flew about" mean?

"Flew about" generally means moved quickly and erratically within a space. It can describe physical objects or the spread of intangible things like rumors.

How can I use "flew about" in a sentence?

You can use "flew about" to describe chaotic movement, such as "The papers "flew about" the office during the storm" or the spread of rumors, such as "Rumors "flew about" after the announcement".

What are some alternatives to "flew about"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "moved around", "circulated", or "whizzed around".

Is "flew about" formal or informal?

"Flew about" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in descriptive or narrative writing.